Pages

Saturday

Today I hauled the winter-worn tack out into the spring sunshine for cleaning. Setting up shop on the porch at the stables, I began.

Please don't ask how long it has been since my training tack had a thorough cleaning. (OK, I will confess to a few quick cold-weather swipes with leather cleaning wipes.)Of course, the show tack is spotless. At least, most of the time it is.

Needless to say, a true tack cleaning was in order.

After scrubbing with Murphy's Oil Soap (an old stable-hand trick I learned a couple of barns ago), and rubbing Passier Lederbalsam leather conditioner into each piece, I was rewarded with the results. Saddles, girths, bridles, reins, martingales, leather halters and other pieces simply shone in the midday light.

My favorite pieces now glow. The leather is soft and supple again. As a bonus, my hands are really soft again. (Gee, I wonder if Lederbalsam is good for dry, cracked heels that have been cozily ensconced in paddock boots for months.)

I only wish I had bought the tee shirt. (Click the tee shirt for more info.)

Thursday

Sometimes it seems as if all of the horsey catalogs carry the same whimsical tee shirts, sweatshirts, equestrian caps, coffee mugs, and other horse-themed products. Wouldn't it be fun to stumble onto something new and different?

Are you looking for creative, original and one-of-a-kind apparel and gifts for the discerning horse lover? Maybe you just want to pick up a few fun items for yourself.

Check out these brand-new designs, available only from Canter Banter. Click logo to visit store, or click any item to view product descriptions. From English Pleasure to dressage to trail riding and even hunter-jumper or eventing, this little store has truly different items. Products include tee shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, caps, totes, clocks, mugs and more.

Tuesday

The Hobby Horse Clothing Company, a premium purveyor of Western show apparel, was robbed overnight (May 22 - 23). Approximately one quarter of a million dollars' worth of leather show chaps and show shirts were stolen.

Click the image below to read the story:

Please be on the lookout for Hobby Horse Clothing items. If you spot a sudden bulk sale of brand-new Hobby Horse items, please contact the company directly. A reward will be offered, according to the company.

Our mare has moved to greener pastures, so to speak. With no fears, she is now asserting herself in about 100 acres of lush spring grasses, sharing her domain with a colorful herd of tame retired and young green horses. Her new posse includes Appaloosas, Arabians, Morgans, Paints, Quarterhorses, Saddlebreds, Thoroughbreds and other breeds.

Green is the word, as our big, brave copper beauty explores her new verdant home. The picture is painted spring green, accented by wildflowers in yellow and white.

Judging by these photos I snapped on a dark and blustery spring afternoon, our wonderful warmblood (Westfalen) is making a splendid splash in her new-found surroundings. Standing in this equine world, I simply grabbed my cell phone to record these moments. The photo resolution is less than wonderful, but the scenes were quite lovely.

I’m checking on this special senior horse daily, either riding up the hill on our thoroughbred for an over-the-fence visit or leading her back down to the barn for a ride.

Usually, I'll toss my big Circle Y Western saddle up on this beautiful Westfalen's ba, bridle her up and head for a trail ride with a horse-loving friend or two. Sometimes, I'll tack her up with my trusty Passier Grand Gilbert dressage saddle, if we really mean to work. Occasionally, I'll just spin her on the longe line a bit to see how sound she is on a given day.

Her full dressage bridle, with it's dual reins, is collecting dust. Perhaps one of the sporthorse youngsters will grow into it one day.

This trusty horse has an amazing work ethic. She gives me all she's got every time we work together.

Each afternoon, without fail, my beloved mare perks her ears up at my arrival and comes running to greet me. What a gift is the loyal affection of a first horse.

Monday

Congratulations to thoroughbred racing jockey Calvin Borel, who rode long-shot Mine That Bird to victory in the 2009 Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4th. At post time, Mine That Bird stood at 50-1 odds for the 135th Kentucky Derby.

Trainer Bennie Wooley, Jr., a former quarterhorse trainer from the cowboy rodeo circuit, fairly glowed with pleasure and pride at the end of the race.

Mine That Bird, purchased as a yearling for $9,500 and resold to Mark Allen and Leonard Blach in 2008 (for $400,000), bested multi-million-dollar three year olds to emerge triumphant in the 1.25-mile race at Churchill Downs for the second largest wagering payout in Kentucky Derby history.

Two years ago, jockey Calvin Borel rode Street Sense to win the 133rd Kentucky Derby. Calvin Borel has been nicknamed Bo-Rail for his ability to hug the inside rail of the racetrack, passing horses to a final victory.

On Friday, May 1st, the day before the Kentucky Derby, jockey Calvin Borel rode Rachel Alexandra to victory in the Kentucky Oaks.

LinkWithin

25 Top Tips for Promoting Your Equestrian Event

Wondering how to promote your horse event or equine-related business? Here's a brand-new book with helpful, no-nonsense tips from a longtime PR professional. Great gift for barn managers, breed/discipline association leaders, trainers, horse show judges, event planners, tack sellers, or other horse pros. Amazon ships fast! Note: Horse industry professionals of any sort can likely claim the purchase as a business expense for tax purposes as well.

Humane options for dealing with a deceased horse's remains.

When the worst happens, what is a grieving horse owner to do? What are the options for dealing with the remains of a horse that has died? This little book presents practical options. Available in print and on Amazon Kindle.

Find my Kindle books on Amazon.

Amazon

“I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to participating Amazon sites.”

Follow The Mane Point on Facebook.

Fun at CafePress

Check out my NickerSnickers store on CafePress, with 100s of creative and comical designs available on countless gift and apparel items.

Horseplay Secrets: Learning in Rhyme from Equines Sublime

Not your everyday stuffy or sticky-sweet sentimental poetry: Horse lovers carry heart secrets that run deeper than others may ever understand. Our memories are filled with special equines with whom we have shared moments that marked our souls forever. If you love horses, you are probably already nodding your head. For horseplay is never just play – if we’re paying attention. Sweet secrets are there to be shared ...

About Me

Equestrian News Express

Brand Disclaimer

Reference herein to any specific books, commercial products, creative property titles, films, music, processes, or services by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee by this website or its publisher.

Blog rating

The Mane Point is rated . . .

A-Z Challenge Award

2015 A to Z Blogging Challenge

The Mane Point is pleased to participate again in the April A to Z Blogging Challenge.